5 Secrets Of A Stress-Free Parent: How To Stop Being So Stressed

Wish you could stop being so stressed all the time? Don’t miss these 5 secrets for being the happy, stress-free mom you want to be.

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Are you tired of being stressed out all the time?

You, my friend, are in good company. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs on the planet.

It tests every part of us in ways we never could have imagined. And yet, there are so many parents that absolutely love it.

What’s their secret? How can someone possibly enjoy something that is so hard?

If you were to go on the internet right now and type in “how to stop being so stressed”, you’d find millions of results. You’d find everything from complete diet overhauls to goat yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing. Seriously.)

Now, while I’m definitely a fan of trying new things, I’m here to tell you that the secrets to dealing with the stress that is inevitable in parenting is a bit more practical.

They’re simple habits that, when practiced regularly, will bring the peace you’re looking for. They’ll help you manage the stresses of life, no matter how crazy it gets. And they’ll work for every parent in every situation.

Sound like something you’d be willing to try?

Here’s the best part: it’s easier to get started than you might think. Yes, life will still feel hard at times. But you’ll find that by implementing these simple strategies, you’ll be better equipped to bounce back and fall in love with being a mom over and over again.

5 SECRETS OF STRESS-FREE PARENTS: HOW TO STOP FEELING SO STRESSED

My husband and I have had our fair share of parenting stress. In 14 years, we’ve had 4 kids, moved to 4 states, and are constantly trying to do our best raising our family without help from family (due to distance).

It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely far from perfect. But there have been 5 things that have consistently kept me afloat through it all. They’re the things that have made the biggest difference for me, and I know they can help you too.

1. CARVE OUT TIME FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY

“Self-care” sometimes has a negative connotation, especially for go-getters and busy parents. But here’s the thing: You can’t manage stress if your cup isn’t full. Period.

We can’t keep putting ourselves last and expect to go on that way indefinitely. It just won’t work.

So whether you go for a run, schedule a lunch date with a friend, or hide in the closet for 5 minutes with a box of cookies (no judging), do something EVERY day for yourself.

And be sure to schedule it in. Or it won’t happen.

I love to plan my days in blocks. This makes it easy for me to find windows of time to do something that involves only me.

2. MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR FAMILY

I once overheard two moms saying, “Let’s get together so we can ignore our kids together.” That just didn’t sit well with me. I love getting together with friends and letting our kids play. But my kids aren’t an inconvenience to be ignored.

I know what it’s like to want breaks from my kids. (We all need breaks.) But if that becomes a regular sentiment, it’s time to check ourselves.

We are our children’s biggest support. And when we have a strong connection with them, they know we’re on their side. Not only does this lay the foundation for open communication (which will be important during their teen years), but it also helps with behavior.

And besides, our kids have a lot to bring to a relationship. We can raise kids we actually enjoy being around!

So how do we nurture that relationship? By giving them sensitive attention and responding to their needs. In turn, that connection buffers stress, making it easier for you and your child to cope with challenges that inevitably arise in parenting.

The Peaceful Parent Starter Guide | This Time Of Mine

3. CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE

The first hour or two sets the tone for the whole day. So make it count!

The key is to give yourself a simple morning routine that will fill your cup and jumpstart your day. It doesn’t have to be long to be effective.

At the very least, try to include some time for quiet, going over your tasks for the day, and some physical exercise. It might not seem like much, but trust me. It’s life-changing.

It just might be the thing that helps you find the calm within the chaos so you can enjoy parenting even more and spend more time doing it just the way you want (and stop feeling so overwhelmed).

Need ideas to get started? Try this powerful morning routine. Remember to start small and build from there when you’re ready.

4. START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

When you’re able to develop an attitude of gratitude toward the things, people and events in your life, you will be able to strengthen your emotional resilience and increase your capacity to handle stress.

And the more you practice that, the easier it’ll get! (Even if you have to fake it ‘till you make it.)

For 1 week, try writing down 3-5 things every day that you’re grateful for. Write them down in a notebook or in a note on your phone. As you do this, you’ll start to become more aware of the good things that surround you.

If you choose to go longer than 1 week, you’ll run out of all the “obvious’ things (my children, my home, my car…) and start to notice the little things you may have missed in the past. These are the things that will bring you the greatest joy.

Want a simple gratitude journal template? Head here to grab one for free.

5. TAKE SHORT BREAKS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA/NEWS

Stress and anxiety can leave you feeling powerless. So to stop feeling this way, it’s important to break free from a common anxiety-inducer: social media (and news).

Taking short social media breaks will do wonders for your mood. To learn exactly how to do this and find tips on how to make it easy, head here.

And when reintroducing social media, be very intentional about your exposure, limit your time, and consider turning off push notifications permanently.

TO RECAP, HERE ARE THE 5 SECRETS THAT WILL HELP YOU STOP BEING SO STRESSED:

Carve out time for yourself every day.
Make meaningful connections with your family.
Create a morning routine.
Start a gratitude journal.
Take short breaks from social media/news.

These habits might not seem like much, but they will make an incredible difference in your ability to stop feeling stressed so you can manage all that your kids throw at you! Even small changes can bring great results.

For even more help on how to be a calm, confident parent, be sure to grab The Peaceful Parent Starter Guide which you can get for free here.

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5 Secrets Of A Stress-Free Parent